At $24,820/yr net price, Seattle Pacific University graduates earn $64,506/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,506/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,820 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,506/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,506/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,348/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,024/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,893/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,524/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,463 | $26,986 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $66,077 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,802 | $40,979 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,415 | $55,648 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $49,875 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
62.1% of students at Seattle Pacific University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Seattle Pacific University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for nursing students but weaker prospects for most other majors. Your net price of $24,820 annually positions the school as moderately expensive for a private institution, but the $64,506 median earnings after 10 years suggest many graduates struggle to justify the investment.
Nursing programs represent the clear financial winners at SPU, with graduates earning $94,408 in the top track and $71,463 in the standard program. These salaries easily offset the $26,986 median debt load. Educational administration also performs well at $70,456, though this typically requires additional graduate study.
Most other programs underperform financially. Teacher education graduates earn just $57,318, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio given Seattle's high cost of living. Psychology and counseling programs show similar concerns, with the $66,077 median barely covering living expenses in the region.
SPU's 62% graduation rate creates additional risk, meaning nearly 4 in 10 students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 75% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles for many first-year students.
You should consider SPU if you plan to study nursing and can handle the rigorous program requirements. The school makes less financial sense for education or liberal arts majors, where the debt burden outweighs earning potential in Washington's competitive job market.
Only 33% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Focus on merit scholarships if your family income exceeds federal aid thresholds, as the sticker price may prove unaffordable without substantial institutional grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle Pacific University worth the cost?
Seattle Pacific University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $94,000 annually, making the $24,820 net price worthwhile, but other programs like education ($57,318) offer weaker returns relative to cost.
What is the job market like for Seattle Pacific University graduates?
SPU graduates earn $64,506 ten years after enrollment, which is decent but not exceptional for the Seattle area's high cost of living. The 62% graduation rate suggests significant academic challenges that could impact career outcomes.
How much debt do Seattle Pacific University students typically have?
The median debt at Seattle Pacific University is $24,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but could be problematic for lower-earning majors. With a 90% acceptance rate, the school admits many students who may struggle academically and financially.
Which Seattle Pacific University programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Seattle Pacific University provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning up to $94,000 annually. Psychology and education programs offer significantly lower earning potential at $66,000 and $57,000 respectively.